Délégation Expertise collective, Prospective & Études

Scientific Expertise

INRA scientific expertise consists in providing the best available knowledge in response to a request made by policy-makers, in order to ensure that the decision choices will be based on sound and updated science. In-house and external scientists are mobilized to analyze international data dealing with the issues of expertise. The recent legislation about public research which puts the expertise as a mission for public research has led INRA to formalize its practise of expertise in a charter.

Expertise is based on the analysis of international scientific literature. Experts will clearly highlight the evidence (e.g. sources, references) upon which they base this analysis.The goal of scientific expertise is about stating what is commonly agreed and accepted but also what is unknown, uncertain and controversial.The issues dealt with by INRA scientific expertise are socially important, complex and require multidisciplinary approaches which systematically associate a wide range of biological and social sciences

Four principles guide scientific expertise:

Excellence : Scientists are chosen on the basis of academic achievement, endorsed by the judgement of peers and refereed publications.

Independence : Possible dependencies should be explicated through a statement, signed by the experts, declaring conflicts of interest

Pluralism : Beside the mobilization of different disciplines, we also strive for a diversity of institutional affiliations, in France and abroad, to stimulate debate and back up independence.

Openness : Transparency is a key precondition for more credibility. Transparency is required in relation to the way the issues are framed, experts are selected, and results handled. The issues and the expertise conclusions should be made understandable to non-specialists.

INRA Scientific expertise gives neither advice nor recommendations. It highlights the different options for action with their advantages and limits.

Voir aussi

Synopsis

French assessment on livestock breeding and nitrogen in France. Main issues and proposed solutions, 2012. 2p. Download

Assessment on nitrogen flows in livestock farming system in France. Main issues and options, 2011. 8p. Download